High chairs

Once your baby is sitting up by herself and you are beginning to wean her you will need a high chair. You will be using a high chair for several years until your child is two or three so it is worth ensuring you choose the right one for you and your child's needs.

What is available?

• Folding highchairs - These fold flat so you can save on space. The tray may be in a fixed position.
• Adjustable highchairs - These usually have padding and the seat can be raised or lowered. Adjustable highchairs can be folded up for storage, but can be more bulky than folding highchairs.
• Three in one highchairs - These start off as a high chair and then can be converted in to a low chair and table. They are very upright which may be less comfortable.
• Traditional style wooden highchairs - These are traditional highchairs which do not fold, but often have a removable tray.
• Booster seat - Suitable for little ones that can sit by themselves. A booster seat is a moulded seat, usually plastic, which straps to a dining chair.
• Seats that attach to a table - Suitable for smaller children, these can be attached onto a table or sturdy surface, so your child can be sitting at the same level as the rest of the family.

Features to look for when buying a highchair

Comfort - If the highchair is not comfortable your child may get distracted at mealtimes.

Safety - Look for a fixed five-point harness.

Easy to clean? - A removable tray can make cleaning easier. Look for models that do not have awkward crevices and these can get dirty and unhygienic. Check any fabric is washable.

Easy to store? - Some highchairs fold flat, others store in an upright position.

Attractive? - If your highchair is going be seen permanently it is worth choosing a model you find attractive.

Built in tray - Can make mealtimes less messy, but you cannot pull the highchair up to the table. A removable tray can give you the best of both worlds.

Reclining seats - Suitable for babies before they can sit up.

Adjustable footrest - more comfortable for your baby as feet are not left dangling in the air.